Application Guide

How to Apply for Attorney Position Midwest Voting Rights Program Based in Indiana

at Chicago Lawyers' Committee For Civil Rights Under Law, Inc.

🏢 About Chicago Lawyers' Committee For Civil Rights Under Law, Inc.

Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights is a storied civil rights organization with over 50 years of impact, uniquely positioned as a hub for pro bono partnerships and community-driven litigation. Working here means joining a dedicated team that fights racial inequity across voting, housing, education, and economic justice, with a strong focus on grassroots collaboration and systemic change.

About This Role

As the lead attorney for the Midwest Voting Rights Program based in Indiana, you will spearhead impact litigation and policy advocacy to dismantle barriers to voting access. This role offers the chance to shape Indiana’s voting landscape, build coalitions with local organizations, and train volunteer attorneys, making a tangible difference in protecting democratic participation.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might begin with a strategy call with Indiana partners about a new restrictive voting bill, followed by drafting a complaint for an upcoming impact lawsuit. Afternoon could involve reviewing legislative text, preparing for a court hearing, and then leading a virtual training session for volunteer attorneys ahead of Election Day.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Chicago Lawyers' Committee For Civil Rights Under Law, Inc.

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Chicago Lawyers' Committee For Civil Rights Under Law, Inc. Is Looking For

  • An attorney with at least 5 years of combined experience in civil rights litigation and voting rights, including 3+ years of hands-on litigation experience in state or federal court.
  • Someone who is already admitted to the Indiana Bar (or eligible within one year) and has established working relationships with Indiana-based coalitions, advocacy groups, or community organizations.
  • A strategic thinker with deep commitment to racial justice and community-driven advocacy, able to draft and analyze legislation and policies affecting voting access.
  • An excellent legal writer and oral advocate, comfortable leading Election Protection initiatives and training volunteer attorneys.

📝 Tips for Applying to Chicago Lawyers' Committee For Civil Rights Under Law, Inc.

1

Highlight any specific Indiana voting rights cases or policy work you've been involved in, even if in a supporting role, to show local experience.

2

Emphasize your relationships with Indiana community organizations or coalitions—name-drop specific groups if possible.

3

Tailor your cover letter to discuss your understanding of Indiana’s unique voting landscape (e.g., recent legislation, voter ID laws, redistricting challenges).

4

Include examples of impact litigation you've led or contributed to, focusing on outcomes that advanced racial equity or voting access.

5

Show your ability to train and coordinate volunteers, as Election Protection is a key component—mention any past volunteer management or training experience.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your commitment to racial justice and community-driven advocacy, with specific examples of how you’ve partnered with communities.', 'Your litigation experience, especially in voting rights or civil rights, and your familiarity with Indiana courts and laws.', 'Your policy analysis skills and ability to draft legislation or comment on administrative rules affecting voting.', 'Your existing connections in Indiana and your plan to deepen those relationships to further the program’s goals.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Chicago Lawyers’ Committee’s past voting rights cases and reports, especially any involving Indiana or the Midwest region.
  • → Study recent Indiana voting legislation (e.g., SB 1, voter ID changes, redistricting) and any pending lawsuits challenging these laws.
  • → Look into the organization’s partners in Indiana, such as local NAACP chapters, League of Women Voters, or Indiana Vote by Mail.
  • → Understand the structure of the Midwest Voting Rights Program—how it coordinates with other practice areas and the Chicago office.
Visit Chicago Lawyers' Committee For Civil Rights Under Law, Inc.'s Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a voting rights case you litigated—what was your strategy and what was the impact?
2 How would you approach building trust with Indiana community organizations that may be skeptical of outside legal groups?
3 What do you see as the most pressing voting access issue in Indiana right now, and how would you address it through litigation or policy?
4 Tell us about a time you trained volunteer attorneys or managed a large-scale Election Protection effort.
5 How do you balance long-term impact litigation with urgent, short-term advocacy needs (e.g., last-minute legislative changes)?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t submit a generic cover letter that doesn’t mention Indiana or the specific voting rights challenges there.
  • Avoid focusing solely on litigation without acknowledging the importance of policy advocacy and community partnerships.
  • Don’t downplay the requirement to build relationships in Indiana—show genuine interest and existing connections, not just willingness to relocate.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Chicago Lawyers' Committee For Civil Rights Under Law, Inc.!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →